![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjVzVCRVYcCX9Qd649ph0J783A3k2hz0mgYVamy7WnB25Eta-p2MlllV4HmEIs6NByMwrQ8MxSS4lDGaKSl0tW8zpuj6wbNdxLSliE1deqH0_euHYy1F97jrHlmEH1G17N_JRxOKcBiw3/s320/P8180491.jpg)
Thursday August 19 2010
A busy schedule in the world's biggest music festival means fast turnovers in a theatre such as the 3056 seat Edinburgh Playhouse. One show ends on a Tuesday night, is struck on Wednesday until everything is gone and an empty stage is left, and load in for the next show - the Gospel at Colonus - starts Thursday at 9 AM.
Throughout the 14-hour day, an empty stage grows into an ancient Roman amphitheatre. The pre-built wall designed by Alison is pieced together and raised,
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUed0eZ618h936d0VqwoCHNCQc9Afip4W7XnrupA4ot-MMSiLPKbghTcmoOSrzLf1IJAe77dER-dtaLfMqy0W2anBgm7LAJraETjzyw8hYiG4940nwsagvBI7yfTUlXftvmk-5zPiTsm35/s320/P8180427.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJ1gI7e8ags5pLIu6XkGhWljNIGrAIAZXjVZDw8lhNxu9bnKTcijwKi4nnA5NcEXPV3yA9PythOuKnQ-0Ku6rxUyj4YswBV4POuijTkDNPKQjENktBZcyNHzdL2b4UtmoUfD1hAF7MsRc/s320/P8180430.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9W4IdWnKXEjghIA0DupyOxaOcjCCBHACwtmR2DDZdqhQ7hzN_fRi_mXXN1ien-qUxKvOMRxleQuDNve3FeTAKafJ_Im3YMosv-QwSsU7wlVqybGRomQFOZb0AOSPmO_kvv7BFAENsa1cQ/s320/P8180433.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIBl0TOXw_zICkuXG1GZwfhUBwM22UezRS4d0SXjgz9XrMEwHmycFmGeNHueY6dvwGKrkt6CKF7ZcjOP7emc4_Ph0qCLnEPVQXkRvANVWoOrrGNci2_4RSWccK-W5XlkpwcF5RqhSpFmB/s320/P8180447.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJM9WxCdlDG3gkNyaMzInUJhhKXoE9fsZ18_0sM9OXHbxcWIB-9GFyMyse952SdLHX8D2m9KxkETVGcKhbNKmJFQA0cHRED4RrKeZH1o1wPHJruMKmDW6btzUk_NC20Q04_Jx2gwDMBIp/s320/P8180450.jpg)
the risers are built, the floors are painted, and the wall touched up with accents.
The lights are hung and focus begins according to the lighting designer Jason's plot.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z7VVIxGO0rt12wWK2cDxgf0iKnFnU9mv7vmQmReyrEcpslx3aHYkc3ncjrsMKSiGJ8OSjsXO8ZCWpZg0vGRyWXy8_8c8WQXlouGM3CRwUA7DosXRX6VtNr6NPooVQBjTttZ5pN8fWbNK/s320/P8180441.jpg)
The costumes are unpacked by Jesse.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEbw80ehfHCOW7glYjZ1jIrO8z_nnu-7msmpu1xkxvcTxPPmUiTW2NFTbDhkvtyPB8J1AdPDeCi3WqIIDj9NwG0CTQVzZl8FPMvLHO8mDVW2lnrT7KU4tHtbgfRZ2CUG9YPwuPVjh6xBb/s320/P8180455.jpg)
The sound equipment is set up by Ron the designer and Pete the house sound guy - on stage (wireless microphone receivers, monitors, speakers, band gear, amps, cables) and in the house where I'll be mixing (mixing boards).
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYycRAFeGmpQW97KBxfxuc2hGgGhOVJtnYySA_HHfBq_vGN8nKWm3R7gy1VeMFC62mD2K9vXSyyiPgjcc1ABCSVT7jQRG4dlCnrT43BGsFI_zUZOOXgh5GIpYYgLsY6YVKstkPE2Ekw-O9/s320/P8180437.jpg)
And in a rehearsal space, the actors are working through the show,
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLMROrYQUZmYfoeL6AX9aayFooK9Udg1CiU34ioWkV4N85ZFCxG5AFMqh_okHYkwhyphenhyphenkfJP6mcJrybLTd7_Rj-0cnkg3qLvGVcCu_tLSh6mmnlJa0bDu4njeuqw9bdrOqwwOfTjdlzUfkw/s320/P8180483.jpg)
honing the art that will bring magic to life to the ancient Roman theatre.
Nostalgia for me, although we only toured a show once, and not as far a you guys have gone.
ReplyDeleteMany broken legs for cast and crew. It looks wonderful.
If by any chance you are flying via London do let me know - I'd be happy to buy you a drink down here (and victual the raven).
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I'm a thespian at heart. I just love the theatre! Pure magic is made on the stage!
ReplyDelete~Lisa
excellent Merri!
ReplyDelete